The FBI says in 2007, it received about 187,000 criminal background requests from Indiana gun sellers. That figure grew to nearly 346,000 last year.

The number is up nearly double since the time before President Obama took office. And the surge has not ended – another 45,553 requests for background checks came in February, compared with 32,083 in the same period last year.

What is causing this? Some gun store owners say it is a lingering concern over a perceived push by President Obama for tougher gun control laws – particularly as he campaigns for reelection – even though Obama has been largely silent on the issue of gun control.

But experts say the popularity of TV reality shows such as “Top Shot” and “Sons of Guns” also likely plays a role.